Hi guys this newbie is looking for some help again. I bought the 21 foot 5th wheel I was looking at today and a buddy towed it home for me. Its a 1900 lbs trailer Im told by the previous owner. I own a 2008 F150 with the 5.5 foot box.I found a fifth wheel reese hitch model 30051 a "slider" version I was told would fit I called reese today to confirm and was told no it would not fit and I "might" hit the side of the truck turning to sharp.My question for you experienced guys is I will only tow this trailer maybe 2-3 times a year and not very far so what is the least expensive hitch I can get away with for that box length ? Reese recommended a stationary hitch on the truck and a sidewinder on the trailer. A quick google of those is way more than I wanted to spend based on the towing use Im going to need.Any advice would be appreciatedThanks

Cheap can equal dangerous. Why cheap out on your safety?

I find a 1900 pound fifth wheel to be unlikely. Did you get that off the sticker that shows the max gross weight?Any fifth wheel hitch should handle a 21 ft 5ver.

agesilaus wrote:I find a 1900 pound fifth wheel to be unlikely. Did you get that off the sticker that shows the max gross weight?Any fifth wheel hitch should handle a 21 ft 5ver.X2. Without a slider you run the risk of taking out your rear truck window in a tight turn. Also, most 5th wheels will exceed the ratings for a half ton truck. Your friend should have stopped at a scale to get real weight on the trailer.

The issue is not the hitch the issue is I was told most people have a 6.5 foot box and I have a 5.5 which makes any turning an issue.The owner told me the weight this is my first trailer. Like I said its a 1997 Prowler 21 Foot model 215B in case anyone knows for sure.It has nothing to do with safety Im all for safe as well but just hoping to not have to spend 2-4 thousand here in Canada for a hitch I will use twice a year. If I was an every weekend puller like most no issue at all just trying to save a little $ as things are tight like most people thats all

Bigmoss wrote:The issue is not the hitch the issue is I was told most people have a 6.5 foot box and I have a 5.5 which makes any turning an issue.The owner told me the weight this is my first trailer. Like I said its a 1997 Prowler 21 Foot model 215B in case anyone knows for sure.It has nothing to do with safety Im all for safe as well but just hoping to not have to spend 2-4 thousand here in Canada for a hitch I will use twice a year. If I was an every weekend puller like most no issue at all just trying to save a little $ as things are tight like most people thats allThe Reese 30051 model is a slider Im told and will not work according to Reese ? There is no weight issue for that trailer and my pickup

What hitch can I get away with ? | Good Sam Community

Shadow_Grey
Explorer
Jun 20, 2013
Looks good...enjoy the ride...
Bigmoss
Explorer
Jun 20, 2013
I thought I would update this thread as I just got my new toy home. I went ahead with the install of the Reese 30051 in my short box truck. I bought the no drill frame kit for underneath and my mechanic installed the hitch for me as he does allot of these.

I hooked up at my buddies house today and we tested the turning I can get an easy 70-75% turn with a bit of room to spare when I put the hitch in the back position for tight turns I get 90% to a full jack knife no issues at all so with the way I am going to use the trailer this setup is going to work just fine !

Here are a few pics
Dayle1
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2013
BScaff wrote:
That is very similar to one I previously owned. I towed with my 97 Ford 5.5 box and fixed hitch. Just hook, be careful & enjoy your camper.

Ford didn't make a 5.5ft box in '97, just 6.5ft and 8ft.
Shadow_Grey
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Or bite the bullet, use one of these and don't look back again...

You don't have to use the 5th Airborne, just the Sidewinder will work with 5.5' bed since you don't travel very often.
BScaff
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
That is very similar to one I previously owned. I towed with my 97 Ford 5.5 box and fixed hitch. Just hook, be careful & enjoy your camper.
deleted-2
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Bigmoss,
Just back yer truck under about where the hitch would be and have a look...
Dayle1
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2013
Bigmoss wrote:
From the rear axel on my truck to the tailgate is 44 Inches

Does that mean the cab to axle distance is just 22 inches? That changes the maximum truck to trailer angle to just 27 degrees for an 8ft wide trailer.
Dayle1
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2013
Bigmoss wrote:
I have two other trailer one is 21 foot utility and the others a 14 foot closed trailer and tow them every where on my 2" ball which limits the backup turn radius.( I have towed boats and trailers for years ) I would not be putting the 5th wheel anywhere they would not go, so would that Reese 30051 work then technically if I really did not have to jack knife any turns ?

It is true that bumper pull trailers can only be jack-knifed to about 40 degrees. But they react to steering inputs quickly because of the location of the pivot point. A fiver or gooseneck trailer reacts slower and requires more distance for the same site and jack-knifing greater than 45 degrees can be necessary. So, using the slider will probably be mandatory in situations that you are already familiar with. But, when the Reese 30051 is moved to the maneuver position, the back of the pin box will almost certainly hit the truck's tailgate, so removing the tailgate may be required. This is why Reese says it won't work with a 5.5ft bed. So, you might be able to make it work, but the Sidewinder is your best answer.
Bigmoss
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
From the rear axel on my truck to the tailgate is 44 Inches
Bigmoss
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Thats my exact one, are you asking for the length from the first set of tires to the end of the pin ? or do you mean the axel of my truck to the tailgate ?

I also found the specs 8' wide and 4100lbs

Forum Discussion

What hitch can I get away with ?

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Andersen Hitch Failure

Hitch Extenders

Hitches

Trailer Hitch

Hitch pin or hitch lock?